Understand the Levels of High School Sports
Playing high school sports can help you stand out as a college applicant. Even if you’re not aspiring to Division 1 in college, you can play for your high school team or take part in intramural sports.
The key differences between high school competitive and intramural sports can inform your decision when it comes to getting involved.
Varsity Team
Are you a confident, highly skilled athlete who dreams of scoring the winning touchdown in a dramatic playoff game under Friday night lights? If so, a varsity team is no doubt a good fit for you.
High school varsity teams welcome experienced athletes, often seniors, who compete in regional and state championships. Varsity teams’ games stir up excitement, not only at your school but in your community.
A varsity team calls for turbocharged discipline, challenging you to balance your schoolwork and outside activities with team practices and games. Interested in playing college or professional sports? Pulling off a demanding varsity team schedule in high school helps you stand out to recruiters.
Junior Varsity Team (JV)
Junior varsity (JV) players are typically first- or second-year high school students in the process of beefing up their athletic skills, but JV teams can also include juniors and seniors. The competition level is slightly lower than varsity, providing a platform for athletes to gain experience and improve their abilities.
JV athletes often aspire to move up to the varsity level as they progress through high school. Varsity teams typically scout JV teams to identify promising players who could potentially contribute to the varsity team in the next year and also build a strong foundation for future seasons.
Freshman Team
Freshman teams introduce first-year students to high school sports, help them develop fundamental skills, and prepare them to compete at the JV and varsity levels. Playing on a freshman team allows you to develop your expertise, learn about teamwork, and adjust to the demands of high school athletics. You learn to balance schoolwork, practice, and other extracurricular activities, preparing you to step up your high school sports game.
Intramural Sports
Intramural sports offer a relaxed, fun way to stay active and enjoy friendly rivalries without the commitment of extramural competition between schools. What’s more, intramural sports can be refreshingly nontraditional activities, like including pickleball, inline skating, martial arts—even video games.
Intramural sports let you try new activities and meet fellow enthusiasts without the pressure of other levels of high school sports.
No matter what level of high school sports you enjoy, knowing the benefits can inspire you to give your best effort and continue playing through high school and possibly into college.